Girls lacrosse: Essential links, 2014

The sharp sound of rubber hitting metal filled the air yesterday as Delaware Valley's Caroline Vath sniped a shot off the post and into the net just 23 seconds into the game. Joanna Keller scored 22 seconds later, setting the tone for a torrid offensive performance as Delaware Valley downed Mount St. Mary, 15-6, in Watchung.

"We as a team really needed it," Delaware Valley coach Stephanie Cirino said. "We're coming off a few losses, and two goals real early definitely pumped us up. They were ready to go after that."

Vath finished with six goals and an assist while Keller had five goals and a pair of assists, helping to kick-start a Delaware Valley offense that started the game on a 7-1 run to grab control in the first half.

"We've been playing together for a really long time," Vath said. "(Keller) is one of my favorite people I've ever played with. I think we know each other on the field, we can just hear each other's voices. It's great, we like to help each other out with assists and goals, and we really work together as a team."

With such a hot start, Delaware Valley knew it was only a matter of time before the Watchung squad made its run.Mount St. Mary made its run late in the first half, scoring three straight goals (two off free position shots) to make it a 7-4 game.

"We kind of fell off a little bit, we've got to learn to hold on to that momentum," Cirino said. "I think when you get up, and you're up, 7-1, at one point, sometimes it's almost an eye-opener for the defense. Like, 'Oh no, that team can score.' So now we have to step it back up."

Keller scored off a free position shot of her own with a little more than a minute before halftime to give the Alexandria squad some momentum heading into the break. Delaware Valley followed with a dominant second half in which it outscored Mount St. Mary, 7-2. The Hunterdon County school dominated possession directly from the faceoff, winning 17 of 22 draw controls on the day.

"It comes down to heart, and almost pride," Cirino said. "That's how you win games — draw controls. For us, that was one of our main goals today. We set out a few goals before the game, and that was the first one. We have to win the draw control. You win the draw controls, you'll win the game."

The Delaware Valley defense thrived as well, as it held the home squad scoreless for more than 15 minutes before Zoe Wilkins scored off an assist from Kathy Gagliano with 14 seconds left. Not to be outdone, Vath scored off a feed from Keller as time expired.

"I think our defense did an excellent job today," Cirino said. "We really held them off. Mount St. Mary has some good talent on the offensive end, and were able to stand them up tough."

Wilkins had two goals on the day, as did Jenna Tomsky. Delaware Valley received a pair of goals and an assist from Elizabeth Bill.

"Today was a good day, a very good day," Delaware Valley coach Stephanie Cirino said. "It was absolutely amazing how we started off real quick, and the teamwork was unbelievable today. They just were finding the open player and making good passes. It felt like we came together today."